REN1201 Environmental Studies

Other requisites

Students are required to have access to a personal computer, e-mail capabilities and Internet access to UConnect. Current details of computer requirements can be found at <http://www.usq.edu.au/ict/students/standards/default.htm>.

Synopsis

The course provides a general introduction and overview of the emergence of environmental issues at the global scale. An inter-disciplinary approach to the study of the environment is provided at a general level for students across all Faculties. The material is presented in a number of inter-related modules that cover the biophysical environment, politics, economy and society, and human impact on the natural environment. The course focuses on ecological principles for thinking about the environment, the links between society and environmental exploitation and the development of ecologically sustainable development. Consideration is given to population growth, the influence of technology, environmental economics and the role of community value systems. Issues examined from a global perspective include land utilisation, mining and fishing, energy production and use, water pollution, atmospheric pollution, urban systems and waste management. Special attention is given to ways in which environmental problems are dealt with under the ecologically sustainable development framework.

Course offers